Father Of Terrorist Zazi Faces New Charges

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Mohammed Zazi, the father of Najibullah Zazi (inset), has been indicted on charges of lying to authorities. His son, Najibullah, has pleaded guilty to terror charges.

Updated at 12:53 AM EDT on Wednesday, Mar 30, 2011

The father of subway terror plotter Najibullah Zazi was slapped with more federal charges Tuesday for his alleged attempts to cover up his son's crimes. The additional counts include obstruction of justice, witness tampering and making false statements to the FBI.

Mohammed Wali Zazi is accused of conspiring to destroy evidence including masks, chemicals and glasses related to the Zazi terror probe, according to the indictment. Zazi denies committing crimes to help his terrorist son.

US Attorney Loretta Lynch said Zazi had spoken with a police informant - Queens Imam Ahmed Wais Afzali - about the FBI investigation and police efforts to track those involved in the plot . But when questioned by agents, Lynch said Zazi lied about having talked with the Imam.

Imam Afzali, who himself was questioned by the FBI about whether he helped tip off Zazi about the investigation, later pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and was later deported.

Najibullah Zazi is the Denver airport shuttle driver accused of plotting with two associates from Queens to bomb the New York City subways. Zazi pleaded guilty in February to the terror plot and is now cooperating with investigators.

Deborah Colson, the defense lawyer for Zazi's father, said her client is not guilty and will have his day in court.